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It may be the similarity between frontman Claudio Sanchez voice to Geddy Lee’s that so many fans draw comparisons between the bands. But Claudio Sanchez would like to clear up the misconception that Coheed & Cambria are big Rush fans. Moreover, if it hadn’t been for his initial dislike of the band, Sanchez may never have picked up a guitar.

Confused?

In a tale told to Radio.com, Sanchez explains when he began playing music, his first choice was the drums. Despite the fact that he didn’t even own a drum set, he teamed with his best friend and went on the hunt for a guitar player. The guitarist they found who considered joining had one stipulation; “We have to play Rush covers.” Smiling, Sanchez admits he had no idea who Rush was at the time but acquiesced and said, “Sure, why not…” But later that night, the would-be guitarist decided not to join the band, telling Sanchez through a friend, “You guys are just a bunch of dreamers. Nothing’s ever gonna happen for you.” Wanting nothing more than to make him eat his words, Sanchez decided to learn to play the guitar. “And that’s why I had no interest in Rush,” recalls Sanchez. “It’s so funny that it became the one band that everyone compares us to.”

Sanchez, admits that it was after all of the comparisons that he’s gone back and given several of Rush’s albums a critical listen, confessing he actually likes a few. “Some of those records are very important,” he adds. Referring to Rush’s upcoming Hall Of Fame induction, Sanchez says, “They have a thing that they do, and I think it’s important for rock and roll so I think they totally deserve it.”

Coheed & Cambria’s latest album, The Aftermath: Descension, is available now as a download, standard CD, and deluxe hardcover vinyl edition, all available through the band’s website.